Application Fee
See agencyVerified by KY Board of Education
School Counselor Licensing in Kentucky
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for school counselor in Kentucky, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 17, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
State-approved examRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for School Counselor in Kentucky
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Varies by state board.
- 2
License Type: Stand-alone license.
Exam and processing details
- State-approved exam
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Division of Certification • Education Professional Standards Board
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$64,390 median (1% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#21 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (4)
- 1. Meet Kentucky eligibility requirements for School Counselor licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training (Education: Varies by state board.).
- 3. Pass required examination steps: State-approved exam.
- 4. Submit the application to Division of Certification~Education Professional Standards Board and monitor board communications.
Salary Insights in Kentucky
With a median salary of $64,390, School Counselors in Kentucky earn 1% below the national median of $65,140. Kentucky ranks #21 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+1.3%Average Weekly Wage
$1,180Median annual salary
$64,390Hourly estimate
$30.961% below national median
Difference: -$750
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationSchool Counselor Salary Ranking
#21 of 50 statesfor School Counselor median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | California | $94,320 |
| #2 | Washington | $83,930 |
| #3 | Alaska | $80,020 |
| #4 | Massachusetts | $78,840 |
| #5 | New Jersey | $77,940 |
Nearby States Comparison
School Counselor licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kentucky | $64,390 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Indiana | $56,470 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Ohio | $61,960 | Degree required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| West Virginia | $55,420 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Virginia | $67,350 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Tennessee | $59,090 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Missouri | $53,790 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Illinois | $61,210 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
License by Endorsement
Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kentucky | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Indiana | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Ohio | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| West Virginia | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Virginia | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Tennessee | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
Division of Certification • Education Professional Standards Board
300 Sower Blvd., 3rd Floor, Frankfort, KY, 40601
Phone: 5025644606
Related Careers in Kentucky
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary | $63,540 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary | $67,110 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Business Teachers, Postsecondary | $79,330 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Education Teachers, Postsecondary | $61,320 | No educational requirements | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a School Counselor in Kentucky?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What is the typical School Counselor salary in Kentucky?
The median annual salary for School Counselors in Kentucky is $64,390. Salaries range from $39,610 (10th percentile) to $88,090 (90th percentile).
How does the School Counselor salary in Kentucky compare to the national average?
School Counselors in Kentucky earn 1% below the national median of $65,140, with a state median of $64,390.
How many School Counselors work in Kentucky?
Kentucky employs approximately 5,030 School Counselors according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my School Counselor license to Kentucky from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for School Counselors in Kentucky?
The licensing agency is Division of Certification / Education Professional Standards Board. Review agency details at http://www.epsb.ky.gov/.
How often do you renew a School Counselor license in Kentucky?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.